Douglas W. Adams made the decision I made more than 5 years ago. I certainly hope both of us represent a trend.

The status quo is the problem. Whether that refers to voters who repeatedly elect and re-elect the same politicians or whether that means the broader view of staying with the same party you've always belonged to.

Part of the problem can be remedied with term limits or voters willing to vote outside their party. The more difficult step to take is to change political party affiliation. Whether you've been active in your party or not, changing parties can be hard decision to make. You'll be fighting history, tradition and personal convictions. You'll be giving up a familiar sense of belonging.

However, leaving your political party will send a message that will be hard to deny. No organization wants to see membership dwindle. I would say that loss of members should force an organization to recognize and correct the issues causing people to leave, yet I do not believe that actually happens.

I am happy with my decision to leave the Democratic Party. If enough people get fed up with the two major political parties, maybe we the people can force the change that we the people so desperately need.